In the Heart of the Sea Essay example -- essays research papers

In the Heart of the SeaWhat caused an 85 ton spermatozoon whale to crash into the side of the Essex, causing one of the most grim and tragic accidents in maritime history? Was this a calculated good time? Did it see the whaling enthral as an unwanted rival in its territory? Did the clump of the Essex have anything to do with the whales sporadic behavior? Or was this plainly an unexplainable act of natures unpredictability?     On November 20, 1820 the crew of the Essex spotted an unusual sight, an extremely large bull. The men estimated it to be virtually eighty-five feet long and weigh approximately eighty tons. However it was non only the large sight of the whale that alarmed the men, but it was its unnamed behavior. Instead of fleeing in panic, it was floating quietly on the surface of the water, puffin at times through its blowhole, as if it were watching them. After spouting two or three times, the whale dove then surfaced about 35 yards from the ship (81). After diving the whale began to do the unspeakable it began to charge the Essex, Its twenty foot-wide tail pumped up and down slowly at first, with a slight side to side waggle, it picked up speed until the water tufted around its massive barrel shaped head. It was aimed at the Essexs expression side (81). Upon noticing that the whale was going to ram into the ship the captain gave the army to pull the helm hard up to prevent a say hit however the order was given to late the whale it the shi...